Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

One of seven Park visitor centers, the Bowles House sits along an empty canal bed in Hancock.
Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures.
Map showing location of park.
Four Locks Boat Ramp and Parking Area Closing for Repairs
This fall, the National Park Service (NPS) will close the Four Locks (mile 108.9) boat ramp and adjacent parking lot at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park for repairs starting in October through the winter. The closures will not affect the towpath or access along the adjacent public roadways.
Ed Wenschhof
Edward Wenschhof Named Deputy Superintendent of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Edward “Ed” Wenschhof has been named the new deputy superintendent of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal).
National Park Service will dredge Fletchers Cove  
Fletchers Cove, a beloved part of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, is set for an important restoration funded by fees that park visitors pay for park entry, camping and special activities through the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA). The money is used for facilities and services that improve visitors’ experiences.
National Parks in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. provide more than 55,000 meals of donated venison to neighbors
Eight national parks in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia have concluded this year’s annual operations to reduce overabundant white-tailed deer. These parks donated more than 13,000 pounds of venison to local nonprofit organizations that will serve approximately 55,000 meals to families in need.  
An aerial view map depicting the detour around the bridge closure and damages on the concrete pier supporting the bridge.
Polly Pond bridge closed
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park has closed the Polly Pond Bridge at mile 134.3 because engineers found damage to its foundation, piers, and structure due to erosion. This bridge crosses Polly Pond Creek. Visitors should follow posted detour.
The rushing river cascades over the rocks of the Potomac
Photo by NPS photo
A single bike rider on the towpath next to the widewater section of the canal.
Photo by NPS photo
A whitewashed lockhouse sits above a stone lock with wooden crib.
Photo by NPS photo
Park sign in front of the historic Bowles House
Photo by NPS photo
Fog over the Potomac River alongside the Canal towpath.
Photo by NPS photo
A replica double decker canal boat is being pulled upstream by mules.
Photo by NPS photo/Buckner